Analysts say Loyiso Masuku appears frontrunner as ANC mayoral nominations for Joburg take shape

Political analysts say Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku currently appears to be the frontrunner for the African National Congress’s mayoral candidacy in Johannesburg as the party advances its selection process ahead of the local government elections.

ANC declines comment as selection moves to national body

According to IOL, the ANC Greater Johannesburg Region has declined to comment on reports that deputy mayor Loyiso Masuku has emerged as its preferred mayoral candidate, while incumbent Mayor Dada Morero was reportedly excluded from the list submitted to Luthuli House for consideration.

In response to an IOL News inquiry, the ANC said the process is being handled by the National Officials Body (NOB) and that the outcome will be announced once internal processes have been concluded.

“We unfortunately cannot respond to any of these questions simply because this process is a process of the NOB, not regions.”

“Once the NOB has concluded their internal process, there will be a media statement informing the public of the results,” said ANC Johannesburg regional spokesperson Mantombi Nkosi.

Who was nominated and what remains unresolved

According to IOL, the Regional Executive Committee (REC) has nominated Masuku as the sole candidate to be considered for the ANC’s mayoral candidacy in Johannesburg. The REC reportedly resolved that regional office bearers should deliberate on a list of names for consideration, with other names said to have been under discussion.

IOL reports the ANC has not yet begun interviewing mayoral candidates, although insiders say the process is expected to be finalised by the end of June. While Morero has reportedly not been included on the nomination list, IOL says he has been selected to serve on the Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT).

Analysts on the stakes and implications

Speaking to IOL News, political analyst Professor Theo Neethling said Masuku appears to be the frontrunner.

“Indeed, Loyiso Masuku currently appears to be the frontrunner to become the ANC’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg. Her election as ANC Johannesburg regional chairperson and her apparent support within the party’s regional structures have strengthened her position, while Dada Morero’s standing appears to have weakened,”

Neethling also told IOL that the ANC’s nomination process, which allows candidates from outside traditional party structures, gives the leadership flexibility in choosing a candidate and that there is no clear evidence the party has settled on an outsider.

Independent political analyst Solly Rashilo told IOL the selection process reflects internal divisions and pressure within the party.

“The reported exclusion of Dada Morero suggests a lack of confidence in current leadership and highlights ongoing factional battles within the organisation.”

Rashilo added that considering non-members for mayoral posts can be seen as an admission that the party’s traditional leadership pipeline is weakening, according to IOL.

Broader regional notes

IOL also reports that in Ekurhuleni, regional chairperson and current City of Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza did not make it onto the list submitted to Luthuli House. IOL contacted the ANC in Ekurhuleni for comment, but the party declined to comment on the matter.